Who can use the program for young adults?
The Quitline program for young adults is available if you are:
- 18-24 years old
- Living in Massachusetts
- Using nicotine or tobacco in any form (including vapes, nicotine pouches, and cigarettes)
- At any stage of your quit journey, whether you are just starting to think about quitting, are ready to get started, or want help staying quit
What does the program for young adults offer?
Text coaching
The program provides FREE, confidential, non-judgmental support for young adults 18-24 through live text coaching sessions and automated text messages. If you text “Start” to 36072, you can:
- Schedule coaching sessions with a live quit coach to make a quit plan that’s right for you. Trained quit coaches can offer advice on how to get through cravings, and help you stay on track.
- Opt-in for automated text messages for anytime support or to countdown to quit. Automated messages are tailored to your age group, the type of nicotine you use, and your readiness to quit.
Free quit medicines
If you are interested in using nicotine quit medications, such as nicotine gum or patches, you may be eligible to receive up to 8 weeks for free. After that, you may be able to use your health insurance quitting benefits.
- Your live quit coach or automated texts will prompt you to reach out by phone if you are interested in receiving quit medicines. Then the Quitline will help you work through the details.
- Patches, gum, or lozenges are shipped directly to your home
Coaching online and by phone
Young adults also have access to the features of the general program for 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which means you can join online at ma.quitlogix.org to use the web program and/or call a quit coach any time you need to.
24/7 support
The program's support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (holiday hours may vary). If you need support and reach out to a quit coach via text, you should get a response within a few hours. If you reach out via phone, a coach may answer the phone or if you need to leave a message, a coach will call you back within 24 hours.
How does the program work and what can I expect after texting "START"?
When you’re ready to get support, text “START” to 36072. Here's what you can expect:
- After texting “START” you will be asked four questions:
- Your age
- Your zip code (to verify you are a Massachusetts resident)
- The type of product you use
- And if you’re ready to quit
- Messages will be automated at first and customized based on your initial responses and key words
- You also have the option to connect with a live quit coach. An automated message will prompt you to text “COACH” to get started.
- Up to five coaching sessions with a quit coach are available
- During your first interaction, the quit coach will get to know you
- They will match your texting speed and if there’s a pause in the conversation, the coach will follow up once a day for three days before closing the session
- When you’re ready to start a new session, just text “COACH"
- No commitment is required, and you can use the Quitline more than once, so there is no harm in getting started as soon as you feel ready
- To end a coaching session with a live coach, let them know you’re ready to end the session or simply stop responding
- Text “STOP” to opt out of the automated texts at any time
What can I expect if I prefer to get started online or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW?
If you get started online, you will first be asked to answer a short series of questions through an online form. You will be asked what services you would like to use on your quitting journey, as well as some information to personalize your profile. After creating an account, you’ll be guided to make a custom plan that works for you. Sign up online or learn more about the Quitline’s programs and resources.
If you get started by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, you will first be asked a few short questions to help get to know you. Then you will be connected with a quit coach to start the process and schedule a follow-up call. Learn more about how 1-800-QUIT-NOW works.
What are the benefits of quitting with support?
Quitting is hard, and may take multiple attempts, but research shows people who use either quit medicines or coaching double their chances of quitting for good.
Using both quit medicines and coaching more than doubles the chances of quitting for good. Why?
- Quit medicines, also known as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), help with cravings by giving your body a small, steady amount of nicotine
- Coaches can help you make a quit plan that works for you and help you create a new routine to manage cravings
Still have questions? Read more about about proven strategies to quit and what 1-800-QUIT-NOW has to offer.